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A DMF General Assembly Celebrating an Unforgettable Journey With A Faithful God
By the DMF News Team
Philadelphia, “The City of brotherly love and sisterly affection,” as some local residents describe it, will play host to the 4th General Assembly of the STNDMF from Thursday, August 29th to Sunday, September 1st, 2024. With the theme, “Celebrating our unforgettable journey with a faithful God,” based on Psalm 111:4, there is heightened excitement around this year’s General Assembly, which is being characterized by anticipation, generosity, participation, and celebration.
There is increased anticipation because this is the second post-Covid-19 assembly. The Pandemic forced a shut-down of social gatherings in 2020 after the DMF had initially convened in 2016 and held another gathering in 2018. The Pandemic prompted the Fellowship to function virtually through Zoom online videoconferencing but managed a gathering in Minnesota in 2022 for elections. Following the Minnesota assembly, the Fellowship resumed its virtual existence. The lifting of restrictions on social gatherings brought relief to many as members now look forward to experiencing that great Wesleyan hymn with the words, “And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and praise to Jesus give, for his redeeming grace.” Originating from Africa, where physical community is paramount, the expectancy of this DMF Assembly in Philadelphia in August, will confirm that God made humans as relational beings to have meaningful social interaction.
A poster announcing the 2024 General Assembly of the STNDMF.
This year’s General Assembly is also being typified by generosity. The generosity of the Fellowship members is evident in the way they volunteer their time, gifts, and resources on various committees and in paying their membership dues and other fees. Despite volunteering their time, gifts, and resources, some members have paid their General Assembly fee of $200.00 and have gone above and beyond to support the Assembly. An anonymous donor contributed $3,600.00 to the Northeast Region to secure three Airbnb accommodations for members. Rev. Dr. Kamah Thoronka contributed $1,000.00 to book an Airbnb. Sis. Dorothy Miller, affectionately called “Rescue Mother,” contributed $850.00 towards the cost of the musician who will perform at the Assembly. Sis. Brenda Bedell purchased all the hats for the General Assembly, costing $1,200.00, Sis. Winnifred Newton Bedell is providing all the drinking water for the Assembly, from Thursday to Monday, for 159 members, Bro Momo Sambola purchased the rice and oil, while Sis. Janice Jackson bought all the cutleries for the Assembly. These acts of generosity are what make the STNDMF unique. Such generous acts do not go unnoticed and evoke gratitude.
In addition to anticipation and generosity, participation is characterizing the 2024 General Assembly. The President of the Fellowship, Bro. Dartor Bolo, and other leaders have been motivating and encouraging all members to attend the Assembly to emphasize inclusivity. The Assembly will commence on Thursday, rather than the usual Friday. Serious business deliberations and elections will be interspersed with light moments of socializing such as a Hawaiian Beach Day, a king and queen contest, and a Grand Ball on Saturday. The Assembly will climax with a worship service on Sunday as a testament to the unmatched goodness of God as we continue this memorable journey of faith, life, and service. All members are expected to be at the General Assembly, and it is projected that everyone will participate fully in all events to make it truly extraordinary and memorable.
The General Assembly will also be a time of celebration. Members will gather to celebrate each other, rejoice in the achievements of the Fellowship, and praise God for sustaining each person through difficult times. Having survived so much through the mercies of God, the Distant Members Fellowship will reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and look to the future with God as our Guide.
This year’s General Assembly in Philadelphia will mark the fourth time of such a noteworthy gathering. Members are looking forward to an Assembly exemplified by anticipation, generosity, and participation as we celebrate our faithful God who continues with us on this unforgettable journey. Come one, come all!
